Maritime & Shipping

Maritime & Shipping Law in Kenya

The Port of Mombasa is the gateway for Kenya and much of East and Central Africa, handling the cargo that supplies a region of hundreds of millions of people. As maritime lawyers in Kenya, OLM Law advises shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, insurers and financiers on the issues that arise across this trade.

The legal framework

Shipping in Kenya is governed principally by the Merchant Shipping Act, with the Kenya Maritime Authority as the sector regulator and the Kenya Ports Authority operating the ports. The High Court exercises admiralty jurisdiction over maritime claims, including the arrest of ships. We act across both the commercial and the contentious sides of this work.

How we help

• Cargo claims and cargo fraud — pursuing and defending claims for loss, damage and misdelivery, and advising on the cargo-fraud schemes affecting the Port of Mombasa, on which the firm has published.
• Charterparties and bills of lading — drafting, reviewing and advising on contracts of carriage and charter arrangements.
• Ship finance and registration — secured lending against vessels, mortgages and registration.
• Marine insurance — coverage, subrogation and claims under hull, cargo and liability policies.
• Admiralty proceedings — ship arrest and release, and the enforcement of maritime claims before the High Court.

Why clients choose OLM

Maritime disputes are time-sensitive and often international. Our team responds quickly — including on urgent arrest and release applications — and combines dispute-resolution strength with a practical understanding of how the Port of Mombasa operates.

Frequently asked questions

Can a ship be arrested in Kenya to secure a claim?

Yes. The High Court exercises admiralty jurisdiction and can order the arrest of a vessel to secure a maritime claim, subject to the applicable procedure; we act on both arrest and release.

What can be done about cargo fraud at Mombasa?

Prevention through careful documentation and due diligence is key, and where fraud occurs we pursue recovery and, where appropriate, injunctive relief. See our published guidance on cargo fraud through Mombasa.

For cargo claims, ship arrest or shipping contracts, contact OLM Law’s maritime team.